Tesla is gradually rolling out its new version 9 update, which includes several new Autopilot improvements and features.

It’s giving us the chance to see more of the new Autopilot capabilities at work, including the new ‘Mad Max’ mode on ‘Navigate on Autopilot’.

As we previously reported, ‘Navigate on Autopilot’ basically allows Autopilot to automatically overtake cars on the highway and take exits and interchanges if the driver has entered a destination in the navigation system.

In order to perform its own lane changes and overtake cars, Autopilot needs to have a certain level of programmed aggressiveness, which Tesla lets the driver set from ‘mild’ to ‘Mad Max’.

The actual differences between the modes are still unclear as owners are just starting to test out the new ‘Navigate on Autopilot’ feature.

One owner, going by Jasper Nuyens on YouTube, did the smart thing and tested it out on Mad Max mode at night with little traffic on the highway.

He released a short video about the test:

Nuyens also produced a second video during the same drive on the highway:

The lack of traffic made it hard to see the capabilities of the new feature and Mad Max mode, but we can see a decent example at around 3:45 when the system decides to overtake a truck.

The Navigate on Autopilot feature is only in beta and as usual, we recommend being extremely careful when using it. Always stay attentive and be ready to take control at all times.

Also, keep in mind that Tesla gradually pushes its software updates to its fleet. It can take days or weeks to make it to everyone.

Update: a source familiar with the version 9 firmware told Electrek that in the latest version (18.39.3), Tesla now requires the driver to confirm the lane changes.

Electrek’s Take

Without having had the chance to try it myself yet, I am fairly impressed by the update so far.

It appears to do exactly what Tesla says and does it well. Of course, I’d like to see Mad Max mode at work in heavier traffic. I’m sure we will see that soon and whoever tries it, please be vigilant and also use a mounted camera if you decide to film it.

One thing that I don’t like, ‘Navigate on Autopilot’ doesn’t appear to bring the car back into the right lane after overtaking.

I am not sure if it’s just that we haven’t seen it happen yet or if it’s not programmed.

What do you think about the update so far? Let us know in the comment section below.